Corb Lund (from the album El Viejo

Corb Lund (from the album El Viejo

Corb Lund (from the album El Viejo available on New West Records (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Corb Lund is the real deal, a native Canadian who’s lived his entire life ranching and riding the range in his native Alberta.  His 30-year career as a singer/songwriter has been directly inspired by the sprawling prairies and environs he calls home. Throughout the eleven albums he’s recorded thus far, he’s remained true to that hallowed heritage, making music that is, in every regard, the absolute essence of authenticity.
 
That said, his new release, El Viejo, finds a slight shift in direction, one that mostly forsakes the cowboy creed and relies instead on songs that take a different direction and a somewhat frivolous tone. Self-produced and recorded with his longtime colleagues The Hurtin’ Albertans in the living room of his home in Lethbridge, Alberta, it’s a decidedly unassuming affair that’s expressed through low-key rhythms and a general sort of down-home demeanor. Certain songs — “The Cardplayers”, “Was It Worth It”, “It Tales Practice”, and “I Had It All” simply ramble along, sharing everyday observations from a folksy perspective. The pluck and strut of “Redneck Rehab” and the snappy “When the Game Gets Hot” maintain that light, uncomplicated demeanor, offering further proof that Lund is simply leaning on the entertainment element this time around.
 
The album closer, “That Old Familiar Drunken Feeling”, seems to affirm the fact that Lund isn’t about to take himself all that seriously.
 
Fortunately, the frivolity factor isn’t the only element that’s involved. “Out On a Win” is both cool and casual, while title track brings to mind the sound of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark in a rare moment of repose. For its part, ‘Insha’Allah” sounds like it was conceived in some dusty outpost situated south of the border. 
 
Those who might not be familiar with Lund’s work up until now might be better served by investing in earlier albums like Losing Lately Gambler or Cabin Fever, two sets of songs that better reflect his cowboy credence and storytelling ability. However longtime fans may indeed welcome El Viejo as a diversion of sorts, an opportunity to experience a less serious side to Lund’s lengthy legacy.
(by Lee Zimmerman)
 
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